A new respite centre in Argyll and Bute for children with a disability will officially open this week.

Ardlui House, in the grounds of Parklands School in Helensburgh, will provide high quality care for children from across Argyll and Bute – meaning they will no longer have to travel to other parts of the country for specialist care.

The facility will be run as a strategic partnership between Argyll and Bute Council, the Sense Scotland charity and the Ardlui Respite Care Trust.

Ardlui House will be officially opened at 11am on Friday (September 10) by Provost William Petrie.


“This will be a very special day for everyone in Argyll and Bute involved in caring for children with a disability,” Provost Petrie said.

“It is very important that children from Argyll and Bute who are affected by disabilities, along with their parents and carers, have the opportunity to access essential services locally rather than having to travel elsewhere in Scotland.

“Ardlui House makes this possible, and I am sure that all those who have cause to use it in the future will be delighted by the accommodation and service provided there.”

Parents and carers are among those invited to the official opening, at which there will be a tour of the building and a chance to look at displays of the build project as it progressed.

Councillor Freeman said the five-bed unit, which will create 17 new jobs in the Helensburgh area, was a facility of which the area could be proud.

Sense Scotland has significant experience in providing specialist services, including respite care.

Ardlui House was built by DCF Joiners and Building Services Ltd of Dumbarton.

(GK/KMcA)